ALICE MUNRIO WINS THE NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE!!!

ALICE MUNRIO WINS THE NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE!!! Alice Munro at the age of 82 is the first Canadian-based writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. “I knew I was in the running, yes, but I never thought I would win,” Munro said by telephone when contacted by The Canadian Press in Victoria. She added that she was delighted and “just terribly surprised.”

The Swedish Academy, which selects Nobel literature winners, called Munro a “master of the contemporary short story”. Veteran editor and publisher, Douglas Gibson, has worked with Alice Munro for over 30 years. He spoke on CBC radio this morning, reading a statement from Munro, “I’m amazed and very grateful. I’m particularly glad that winning this award will please so many Canadians” and draw attention to Canadian literature.

(and yes we have her most recent book in stock and more on the way)

And the Nominees are………

And the Nominees are……… This is the season of nominations for the big literary awards in Canada – The Governor General’s Literary Award nominees were announced this morning.

No surprise that The Orenda by Joseph Boyden is on the list – but the rest is somewhat surprising –

I am thrilled that The Hungry Ghosts by Shyam Selvadurai is on the list – I thought this an excellent novel and feel it deserves far more attention than it has received – I had already booked Shyam to return to Parry Sound in 2014 to read from this novel so you will all discover why this is a novel to merit this nomination

The Lion Seeker by Kenneth Bonert had good reviews when it was published lat February but dropped off the radar after that – and A Beautiful Truth by Colin McAdam published in March received very little attention – this nomination will change that for both of these authors

The book to watch however is The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton – I’ve just moved it on the top of my “to read” pile. This book has also been nominated for the prestigious Booker Prize – and now the GG – it will soon be in short supply – but I have an order on the way – put your name on our reservation list if you want to know why it is on both the GG & the Booker list.

The Giller long list was announced a few weeks ago – the short list will be announced next week – it anyone’s guess what will stay on – it is probably pretty safe to bet The Orenda will be there – but the rest will be a surprise to look forward to………more Next Week!

New this week

Everyday is like Christmas at Parry Sound Books as we open boxes of new books arriving each day, and that is especially true at this time of year when most books are published, and we are ordering books that we think you will want to give when that gift giving time of year arrives. No rush for the snow, the weather we’ve had this past week is just fine for another month or two. One of the most beautiful books for children came in the door today – I immediately chose one for my grandson and ordered a lot more. Once Upon a Northern Night written by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault is the perfect combination of text and illustration - a poem expressing love and comfort for a child with exquisite illustrations of the northern landscape. You will want one for every child in your life.

One of our favourite author and illustrator of children’s books is Oliver Jeffers. This Moose Belongs to Me just arrived in paperback – another must have for the little ones in your life.

Also, just in the door today is the season’s most beautiful cookbook – The Flavour Principle, sub-titled Enticing Your Senses with Food and Drink, by Lucy Waverman and Beppi Crosariol. We know this team from the LCBO magazine and many other magazine and newspaper columns. Here they have put together a big beautiful book full of mouth-watering recipes and advice about the perfect wine to serve with each dish.

New this week .......

At this time of year the new books are flying into the storeSome of those that arrived this week are

Someone by Alice McDermott A novel that tells the story of one remarkable woman’s life – scattered recollections of a curious childhood, adolescent sexual awakening, motherhood and old age. The Figures of Beauty by David Macfarlane This one is going to the top of my “to read” pile. Described as “a sensuous, heartbreaking novel about art, beauty and the choices we make that define us for life.” It’s been a long wait for a new novel from this excellent writer.

Portrait of Julia by Robert MacNeil This will be next on my “to read” pile. The First World War comes to an end and a young woman leaves Halifax, for London, Paris and the south of France, where she spends her days with the painters Morrice and Matisse – living in a world in transformation.

Solo – A James Bond Novel – by William Boyd Selected as the most recent of the contemporary authors to continue the James Bond series, William Boyd gives us a Bond celebrating his 47th birthday as he is summoned to a troubled West African country ravaged by bitter civil war.

Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals by Jamie Oliver Another volume of delicious, nutritious food – this time super fast – in a very beautiful book. We all love Jamie.

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King Nothing needs to be said about this guy – you love him – or not.

ONE FOR KIDS

Northwest Passage by Stan Rogers – As Seen by Matt James Matt James takes the iconic song by Stan Rogers and gives the original words his own spin with unique illustrations and explanations of the story of the lyrics.

New this week

New this week Enon by Paul Harding Paul Harding won the Pulitzer Prize in 2010 for his novel The Tinkers, the story of the last days of George Washington Crosby. Enon follows a year in the life of George’s grandson, on his turbulent emotional odyssey. A Question of Honor by Charles Todd A Bess Crawford Mystery set in India in 1908, and a decade later on the battlefields of France.

An Appetite for Wonder by Richard Dawkins Sub-titled, The Making of a Scientist, this is a memoir by the author of The Selfish Gene and The God Delusion.

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks Two couples, separated by age and experience, come together in profound and surprising ways.

Something Borrowed, Someone Dead by M.C. Beaton The irrepressible Agatha Raisin is at it again – sticking her nose in where no one wants it. Murder and mayhem – and very very funny.

Now in paperbac

Jewels of Paradise by Donna Leon This is a stand alone novel – a mystery – but not one featuring her well known detective. We have a young musician, Venice born, returning to her hometown and finding not only friends and family – but others who may be dangerous enemies.